Hansen hints at Crotty return for Lions test

After Waisake Naholo’s game-changing turn for the Highlanders on Tuesday, right wing might be the most contestable spot in the All Blacks heading into the Lions series. A strong performance from the 61-test veteran tonight should make his spot safe. Midfield combinations and the All Blacks have been plentiful in recent times. Tonight adds another one to the list, with Anton Lienert-brown and Sonny Bill Williams paired together for the first time against Samoa at Eden Park.

Last year, with varying degrees of success, the All Blacks used four variations of Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala and Lienertbrown. Crotty and Lienert-brown emerged on top, with Fekitoa and Moala out the picture for now.

SBW-ALB doesn’t just roll off the tongue nicely. Their joint attacking threats could prove fruitful, even if their starting partnership is only short-lived.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen strongly indicated yesterday that Ryan Crotty should be fit for the first test against the Lions next week, despite carrying rib damage.

‘‘He’ll be right,’’ Hansen said.

A Williams-crotty duo remains the All Blacks’ preference. It is seen as having the right balance of punch, panache and precision.

The All Blacks believe Lienertbrown is better suited to centre; his footwork and offloading better utilised in a bit more space, on the outside of his man. But he is effectively going head-to-head with Crotty for that role, with both equally comfortable at second five-eighth.

Up against the Samoan midfield comprising former Hurricanes utility The talented and powerful former Hurricanes and soon-to-be Bristol line-breaker forms a new-look midfield alongside debutant Kieron Fonotia that will have to be watched. His headto-head matchup against Sonny Bill Williams could be pivotal. Alapati Leiua and Bristol-bound Kieron Fonotia, expectations of Williams and Lienert-brown running riot should be tempered given their unfamiliarity. Hansen just wants the pair to keep it simple.

That involves Williams, in his first test since the 2015 World Cup, crunching over the gain line and offering strong voice to Beauden Barrett. Lienert-brown needs to continue his effectiveness on defence, in support and feed his outsides.